More from Football

Eredivisie: Frank de Boer wants Ajax to get over their Champions League heartbreak

Ajax will be desperate to put their midweek Champions League disappointment behind them on Sunday.

Last Updated: 13/12/13 8:34am

Frank de Boer: Looking for a response

A goalless draw against 10-man AC Milan on Wednesday night ended the Amsterdam club's challenge in the competition, with the Italians advancing to the last 16 and Frank de Boer's men instead dropping down into the Europa League.

However, attention quickly switches back to domestic matters this weekend and a trip to lowly Cambuur Leeuwarden.

And with the possibility of knocking Vitesse off their perch if results go their way, De Boer is confident the team will be ready for whatever comes their way.

"This is a big disappointment but it's not a fatal blow," said the coach speaking after the Milan setback.

"We played so well and we will take that into our next match against Cambuur. I'm really proud of the players."

Vitesse hold a two-point lead over Ajax and host NAC Breda on Sunday with a seven-match unbeaten run to defend.

A 6-2 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven last weekend suggests they are not going to give up top spot easily, although midfielder Gael Kakuta has warned of the dangers of complacency.

"We have to make sure everyone stays 100 per cent focused. If everyone realises we have to remain alert, I believe we can end 2013 at the top."

FC Twente are also within touching distance of the leaders, with a three-point gap separating them from Vitesse. The Enschede club will be looking to make it four wins on the trot at home to Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday.

Feyenoord have also found some form with recent victories over PSV and Heerenveen to climb up to fourth, and on Sunday take on a Groningen side one place below them and searching for their first win since November 9.

Also on Sunday, out-of-form PSV make the trip to FC Utrecht having lost five of their last seven league matches, while AZ Alkmaar travel to Heracles Almelo.

The weekend's action gets under way on Friday with a mid-table contest between PEC Zwolle and Heerenveen.

The bottom two teams are in action on Saturday, with foot-of-the-table NEC Nijmegen at home to Roda and RKC Waalwijk facing fellow strugglers ADO Den Haag.